Water Coolers & Dispensers

If you're shopping for water coolers, you're looking for an easy way to keep cold, hot or room-temperature water on hand without constantly running to the fridge or the tap. A water dispenser is a great way to upgrade your home office or shared workspace, or just provide fresh, clean water at a pleasingly cool temperature right in your kitchen. Most models are built around either a top-loading bottle or a bottom-loading design that hides the jug inside the cabinet for a cleaner look.

Capacity is one of the first things to consider, especially if you’re making the switch from a standard water filter pitcher, which fits effortlessly inside of a refrigerator. Many water coolers are built for standard 3-gallon or 5-gallon jugs, so it's worth checking which size your dispenser accepts before you commit to a refill service. If you’re looking for small living space solutions, a countertop cooler can deliver the same hot-and-cold functionality in a much smaller footprint.

Temperature settings matter too. Most dispensers offer at least hot and cold options, and many add a room-temperature setting for a three-way choice at the tap. It also provides a convenient way to get fresh water on demand for coffee, tea and espresso machines at the temperature you need.

A bottom-loading water dispenser is worth considering if you'd rather not lift a full jug overhead — the bottle sits in the base and gravity-fed or pump systems handle the rest. If you're stocking a home office or a small kitchen, keep an eye on cord length and drip-tray size, since a removable drip tray makes cleanup considerably easier.

Once your cooler is set up, you may also want a few accessories nearby. If you're hosting rather than hydrating day to day, a beverage dispenser is a good complement for your bar and wine setup for parties and gatherings. Or, incorporate an ice maker to pair with your fresh water or other beverages.